Are cytokine gene polymorphisms associated wtih outcome in patients with idiopathic intermediate uveitis in the United Kindgom?

Background/aim: Competing levels of cytokines, either locally within the eye or systemically, may influence the eventual outcome of ocular inflammation. Polymorphism in the promoter part of the genes controlling cytokine production may result in either higher or lower production of the relevant cytokine to a given stimulus. The authors hypothesised that such polymorphisms may relate to visual outcome in patients with idiopathic intermediate uveitis. Methods: DNA was obtained from 125 patients with idiopathic intermediate uveitis and analysed for the interleukin 10 IL-10-1082G/ A and IL-10-819C/ T, and interferon gamma IFN gamma 874T/A gene polymorphisms. Associations with disease were calculated by both allelic frequency and haplotype analysis, and associations between ocular disease outcomes and the presence of polymorphisms were identified. A bad outcome was defined as loss of vision